Greetings Cats! Normally I would address this posting to my fan club list only. But because of the massive response I received from my subject letter "Are you about the music, or are you just frontin' " , I decided to address this to all (don't worry - this wont become a habit).
1st - let me say that I appreciated ALL the e-mails that I received on the subject. Furthermore, last weekend in Mason City Iowa & here in Detroit, I enjoyed meeting many of you who either accepted my challenge to party this weekend "sober", and/or those who party "sober" on a regular basis. It was really encouraging to feel such positive energy from all of you. 2nd - I wanted to quickly make a couple of points: a) I wasn't just speaking to or about the cats in the "rave" scene, but to all cats who enjoy all forms of music developed in the underground scene within the past 20 years. I don't want to see anyone die, or hurt themselves in any manner regardless if they're a "raver", "clubhead", and no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, etc., etc.. I was surprised how some cats responded to my wanting to see people be safe in this music. But I also realized that I didn't qualify my point of view, so I will do that later. b) I wasn't trying to preach the "Just Say No" campaign to any of you. Some of you felt that I was preaching to you in the same manner that some ministers and pastors might do in speaking about religion. Well, just because I know and accept Jesus doesn't mean that you have to, and just because I don't do drugs doesn't mean that you shouldn't do drugs. Whether you choose to do drugs socially (in moderation) or you get "blitzed" every chance you get, ultimately it's your right to do so. If that's what floats your boat, then by all means set sail and have a wonderful voyage. I'm certainly not trying to be judgemental because it's not my place to judge anyone, especially as it relates to the music. Furthermore, if you read my original posting on this subject carefully, you'll see that I clearly stated that I too realize that drugs have always been, and will more likely continue to be part of music. In the summer of 1982 I had my first djing gig at a backyard party. Back then, cats would get their "high" by drinking malt liquor poured into small plastic cups (so we called them 8 oz parties) and smokin' a bit of herb - DETROIT & SOUTHFIELD cats from `77 to `85 know what I'm talkin' about! My point is that even back then, my first introduction to the party scene as a dj included cats getting high. I didn't smoke any herb (although I use to smoke 3 packs of Kool Milds each day), but I did get my drink on with some OE, Colt 45, or Detroit's favorite cheap 40 oz brew . . . BIG JUG for $.99 !!!! (Brings back memories). So I too was sometimes "buzzin' " at the parties. c) The reason why I stopped getting drinkin' at these parties is because this is Detroit, and in Detroit (unfortunately) there was always some shit jumpin' off. I mean how many of you can say you've been shot at, seen cats get shot, or even seen a cat get smoked (killed) at a party or club??? Well I've seen it all, and it aint pretty folks. The problem is that I'm starting to see to much of what use to go on back in the day re-surface at many of these parties here in Detroit. I can't speak for your scene in your city where you (the reader) are currently. But I want to qualify my request for a drug free atmosphere by saying that at least for the cats here in the D, it's also a matter of street smarts & safety. Many of these parties (in warehouses and clubs) are in some of the roughest areas in the city. You cats who come down to these parties "high" set yourself up as EASY targets. For those of you who are in Detroit, haven't you noticed that most of the ill shit that goes down at these parties usually takes place after 3 or 4 AM??? These cats are waiting for you to get good and high. In some cases, the drug dealers who sell you that crap are in on "jackin' " you, but many of you don't even see it coming because you're so anxious to get the drugs into your body that you miss what's going on around you! Some of you cats have not one ounce of street smarts within you, yet you particular cats seem to get a feeling of excitement and danger by partying in some of the toughest areas in Detroit. This is not a game! This is real! Your ability to react in a critical situation may mean the difference between life and death. Hopefully none of you reading this will ever be in such a situation. My point is that there is another reason (at least here in Detroit) to check your head when you attend these parties. This past weekend for example, several cats got jacked at gun point at FLAVA, cars jacked, etc., etc.. Now of course I not sayin' that all those who suffered losses where on drugs. Instead what I'm asking is if you had to deal with some "REAL SHIT" would you rather be sober, or fucked up on some drugs??? (Just something for you to think about.) d) I also don't want those who are new in this MUSIC scene to think that it's only about DRUGS, or that you have to use drugs in order to understand and feel the music. When I came into the game, I was chillin' off the vibe of the music in my bedroom in 1979. When I played my first party in `82, I went out to share in the vibe of the music. When I saw cats drinking and smoking, I too thought that perhaps I needed some outside spirit to enhance my experience. Then I realized that I don't need any liquor or drugs to "feel it". The high I got from the music was enough. When I'm djing, I sometimes go someplace that's so beautiful, I wish I could take all of you there with me. But the reality is that all people don't experience the same things the same way. I guess I'm just saying that it's too bad some cats need outside assistance to get lost in the music. e) I received several responses from fellow djs who feel as I do, and some of whom also feel a bit torn because they might be indirectly supporting drug usage at these events by djing there. Personally, when I step up on the set, I represent myself. If you are there to represent the music, then that's all you are representing. If an apple is in a barrel among oranges, is the apple not still an apple? I know drug use goes on at every event where I'm djing throughout the world. I can only be responsible for me and what I represent at these events - THE MUSIC! I think one's presence only becomes suspect if they partake in using the drugs they claim to oppose. So to all my fellow brothers & sister on the wheels of steel . . . stand up, be proud, and represent!!! f) My final point is that some of you seemed to resent the fact that I voiced an opinion at all. To those who said I should just "shut up and play the music", I guess you would rather I be like a lot of djs I know (both local `round the way cats & big named djs) who could care less about you, your safety, or the musical vibe of the party as long as they've got YOUR MONEY in THEIR POCKET!!!!! Well, I'm sorry but I do care because we are all part of the same spirit, and what hurts one, hurts all! Now having said my peace, let's get back to the get down!!!!! Tonight I'm spinnin' up in Lansing at Spiral (info line 517 336 7790). My set begins around 12:30AM. Tomorrow night I'm djing in Toronto at the Soul Shack party located at the FOUNDATION DOWNSTAIRS!!!!! It's a benefit party to support COVENANT HOUSE & SUPPORTING OUR YOUTH. Besides the fact that I'm going to spin at this event free of charge, the promoters worked really hard on planning this event. So I hope to see you cats come out, support, and enjoy the vibe! Myself along with Nick Holder and Fred Everything will be providing the sounds - info line is 416-760-3330. My set time is 1 to 3:30AM. And of course come and check out Jus' Paige and yours truely at the Velvet Lounge on Sunday night in downtown Pontiac. peace & respect to you all, be safe, and enjoy the vibe in your own spirit! TP Terrence Parker's current TOP 10 for SEPT 1999 1. James Brown ~ "Body Heat (pt 1&2)" - Polydor 2. Underground Ministries featuring Kenny Bobien ~ "I Shall Not Be Moved" - Flatline 3. Dj Jacq ~ "Fatback & Grits EP" - Real Estate 4. Paul Johnson ~ "Get Get Down" - Fuel 5. Dimitri & Tom ~ "Brazil Over Zurich" - Trackdown 6. Earth, Wind & Fire ~ "September (phats & small RMX)" - Sony 7. artist unknown ~ "Does It Feel Good 2 U" - white label 8. Solid Gold Players ~ "Deeper Everyday" - Solid Gold 9. Thee Maddkatt Courtship III ~ "My Life Muzik (Mike 303 & Stephan B's mix)" - FFRR 10. Avalanche ~ "Keep On Dancin' " - white label
